Canadians Are Choosing Online Filing at Tax Time

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue, today revealed that more Canadians are filing T1 income tax and benefit returns online than ever before. As of March 24, 2014, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has received over 6.7 million returns, with close to 84% filed electronically, compared to 80% at the same time last year. Electronic filing is quickly becoming the norm, as taxfilers discover how convenient, easy, and secure online filing is. Direct Deposit has also increased. So far, 65% of taxpayers getting a refund received it by direct deposit compared to 61% at the same time last year.

Minister Findlay encourages all Canadians to join the growing number of their neighbours and friends who are filing online. When combining online filing with direct deposit, taxpayers may get their refunds in as little as eight days. Given the number of free software options available, filing a T1 income tax and benefit return couldn't be easier or simpler.

T1 Returns received from February 10 to March 24, 2014

Method of Filing

# of returns filed

%

NETFILE

2,156,994

31.78

EFILE

3,515,698

51.80

Total - electronic (NETFILE + EFILE)

5,672,692

83.58

Paper

1,114,592

16.42

Total - all methods

6,787,284

100.00

Quick Facts

Taxpayers have until midnight on April 30, 2014, to file their 2013 T1 income tax and benefit return and to pay any balance owing.

If an individual, his or her spouse, or common-law partner is self-employed, the deadline to file a 2013 return has been extended until midnight on June 16, 2014, since June 15 falls on a Sunday. However, any balance owing must still be paid by April 30, 2014.

By filing online and using direct deposit, taxpayers could have their refund in as little as eight days.

As of March 24 2014, 65% of taxpayers getting a refund received it by direct deposit. So far, the average refund amount is $1,619.11.

On March 24, 2014, the number of online submissions processed on the CRA website hit a seasonal high to date of at 1763 per minute.

Quote

"Canadians want to file their taxes in a manner that is convenient-when, where and how they want. I am pleased with the ever-increasing number of Canadians who choose to file online, which means not only faster refunds for filers, but a reduction in processing costs."